Restaurants with inspired kids' menus

Young diners at Rick Bayless' authentic Mexican fave have their own menu with options such as tortilla soup ($4), chicken enchiladas ($7) and jicama slices with lime ($2). If all of that is too exotic, the griddle-baked cheese quesadillas ($5) are a perfectly executed dose of the familiar. 445 N. Clark St., 312-661-1434.

Your kids may forgo chicken fingers for good once they try the bulgogi (grilled, marinated ribeye, $7) on the 12-and-under menu at this Arlington Heights Korean spot, where they can also opt for mapa tofu, a less-spicy take on the popular vegetarian Chinese dish. The whole family will flip for Dak Bun, a fun cross between a steamed chicken bao and a taco ($9), and complimentary liquid Korean yogurt chasers to finish the meal. 161 W. Wing St., Arlington Heights, 847-749-4493.